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LYON, France, April 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today the demonstration of its full range of innovative lithotripsy devices at the 99th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Urological Association (J.U.A.) (booth #14), held April 21 - 24, 2011 in Nagoya, Japan.

Japan is one of the largest global urology markets with the highest number of installed lithotripsy devices. EDAP is committed to gaining market share in the Japanese territory by successfully introducing its innovative high-end Sonolith range of lithotripters. The Sonolith i-move will be officially introduced at the JUA to the Japanese Urology Community, for which expectations are high for innovations and technological breakthroughs in lithotripsy. Sonolith i-move lithotripter is in the clearance application process, currently under review by the Japanese Administration.

EDAP will also take this major event opportunity to officially launch the distribution in Japan of Medical Measurement Systems B.V. (MMS)' urodynamics diagnostic products. With this exclusive agreement, EDAP becomes the leader in urodynamics devices in the Japanese territory.

Jean-François Bachelard, President and CEO of EDAP TMS's subsidiary in Japan, commented, "The lithotripsy global market remains dynamic and we will leverage on our growth in lithotripsy activity by continuing expansion in the Japan. We strongly believe that the Sonolith i-move, with its unique infrared-vision localization system, perfectly suits the Japanese market needs. Hence, it will be aggressively positioned in the market to first replace most of our current Sonolith Praktis models installed in Japan and, second, it will allow us to take market share from competition as we successfully did in Europe."

Marc Oczachowski, EDAP TMS's Chief Executive Officer, continued, "EDAP has made a long term commitment in Japan as exemplified by its direct presence over the past fifteen years and its expanded sales force that is part of the entity's 30 person team. We will continue to focus on developing innovative and state-of-the-art treatment approaches in the urology field to further address a significant market potential."

About EDAP TMS SA

EDAP TMS SA develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. Approved in Europe as a treatment for prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is currently undergoing evaluation in a multi-center U.S. Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA, the ENLIGHT U.S. clinical study. The Company also is developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS SA also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the Company, please visit http://www.edap-tms.com , and http://www.hifu-planet.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the Company's growth and expansion plans, the conclusiveness of the results of and success of its Ablatherm-HIFU clinical trials and expectations regarding the IDE submission to and approval by the FDA of the Ablatherm-HIFU device. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties, including the uncertainties of the regulatory process, and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in particular, in the sections "Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials, but not FDA-approved or marketed in the United States.